Carol Kluge's Memorial Service Video

Carol Joann Kluge (Krenke), 90, of Hortonville, went home to Heaven on Friday, December 9, 2022, just in time for Christmas! Our mom was born at home on June 4, 1932 in New London to the late Emil and Caroline Krenke (Shartau). Mom's formative years consisted of growing up on a farm near Bonduel, without electricity, plumbing, or a reliable furnace. She walked to a one-room schoolhouse. Although her home was primitive compared to today's standards, these were happy years for her, and helped to

shape a strong work ethic that she carried with her throughout her life.  In 1945 Emil and Caroline convinced Mom to go to high school at Concordia, a Lutheran high school in

River Forest, IL, a bold move for a farm girl from little Bonduel, WI! Although often homesick, Mom made many life-long friends and had many exciting experiences she would never forget. After 3 years of college, she completed her student teaching assignment in Alexandria, VA, and then returned home to Hortonville due to the polio outbreak. There she reconnected with Roger Kluge, a fellow confirmation classmate and member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Hortonville. The two were married on May 10, 1952. A life-long member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Mom served for many years on the Ladies Aid Committee.

While raising us four girls, Mom worked diligently for the Hortonville Public School District as a custodian, one of the first women to be hired in this capacity, for over twenty-nine years, and served as a union steward for several of those years. She truly enjoyed the pranks and laughs shared with students, teachers and staff.

Mom is survived by three sisters: Marlene (Dave) McNichols, Joyce (Wayne) Huebner, and Cherie (Bob Corey) Krenke. Her four surviving daughters are: Debbi (Neal) Wunderlich, Vicki (Stuart) Driessen, Jayne Kluge, and Jennifer (Jim) Spencer. Also surviving are seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and many friends who enjoyed her wit and laughter.

A very special thank you to the entire staff at Living Tree Estates, and especially to Christina, Mom's devoted and wonderful Theda Care Hospice nurse. Mom loved you and your wit.

The celebration of Mom's life will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Hortonville on Friday, December 16, 2022 at 11:00AM. Visitation will begin at 9:00AM until the time of service with burial immediately following at Union Cemetery in Hortonville, Pastor Tristan Paustian will officiate.